A gulet cruise in Turkey that condenses the wonders of our 2-week Cruising the Carian Coast itinerary into one glorious week. We head west from Göçek to Bodrum, ancient Halicarnassus, along a gorgeous and virtually undeveloped coastline.
We visit some of the greatest gems on Turkey’s southwest coast: Caunos with its exquisite rock-cut temple tombs, and beautifully preserved Knidos, a monumental marbled city arranged around a double harbour.
As well as these celebrated monumental sites where excavations have been going on for decades, we visit ancient towns like Phoenix and Lydae, set in remote and beautiful locations, that remain completely untouched.
This cultural tour in Turkey is a perfect combination of magnificent sites, quiet coves, wondrous walks, breathtaking vistas and glorious swims.
Day 1: Our boat is about 30 minutes from Dalaman airport at Göçek, a pretty harbour on the Bay of Fethiye, on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. Welcome dinner on board.
Day 2: We sail to the pretty inlet of Ağlımanı and walk up an ancient track to the city of Lydae, set in a forgotten valley filled with the tinkle of goat bells.
Day 3: Heading west we take a boat through a lagoon into the reed lined Dalyan River to see the city of Kaunos. Its monumental public buildings, surrounding a silted up harbour, speak of its once great wealth and fame.
Day 4: We head inland to explore Phoenix, a wild and remote citadel city, with beautiful landscapes and grand vistas all around.
Day 5: To Loryma, a magnificent Rhodian fortress guarding a strategic bay.
Day 6: West to spectacular Knidos. We climb up to the temple of Aphrodite that once housed the fabled first female nude in history.
Day 7: A last chance to swim as we set sail west, to explore Halicarnassus, Mausolus’s great capital city, on Turkey’s south west shore. A final opportunity to shop.
Day 8: Transfer from our gulet to Bodrum airport, approximately 40 minutes away.
